2012-13 Choir Handbook

A
little about your teacher…..I have been teaching music at all grade levels for
30+ years.My choral experience comes
from the many adult, handbell and children’s musicals/choirs I have directed at
my church.I grew up and attended
Sherwood schools and have taught in the district for a long time. I also teach
private piano students and love to walk/hike, scrapbook and laugh!I love the joy that comes from making music.

A choir is a
team that grows together – learning to trust and respect each other.All abilities & levels of musicianship
are blended.And, like a beautiful work
of art, the colors of voices and personalities of the students emerge into an
amazing sound!We take ‘little black and
white spots on paper’ and with a little ‘musical magic’ (i.e. music education!)
bring the music to life!
I’m looking forward a great year together!Mrs. Aldinger

Choir PhilosophyThe purpose of the choral program at
Laurel Ridge Middle School is to instill a lifelong love of music through
singing individually and as a chorus. We will study music from early classical
literature through popular songs of today. An emphasis is placed on learning to
read music in order to give students the necessary skills to enjoy choral music
throughout their lives. Through strong community building and an attitude of
excellence we can accomplish great things together.

Choir
Expectations

Attend all choir activities listed in the calendar based on your performing group

Be on time to class
and in assigned seat with music and pencil

Show cooperation and
effort in class and within the choir.

Strive for
improvement in each rehearsal

Study music and
theory lessons outside of class

Treat music and
equipment respectfully, returning it in the same condition.

Grading PolicyGrades
will be calculated in the following way:60%Class Participation30%Concerts10%Singing tests/theory/written assignments

Concert Attendance –Choir is a performing ensemble.The work we do in class is to help us to
become better musicians and performers.This is why such a large part of your grade comes from concert attendance.There are 1-2 concerts per trimester and the
dates are scheduled in advance.Please
mark your calendars and be responsible for updating all choir information as
needed.All choir members are required to attend all prescheduled
concerts. It IS part of your grade!Concert Make-up --If a performance is missed, in order
to 'make up' the missed concert, you will need to attend some other music event
(choir concert, band concert, musical, etc.). Write a ½ page review of
what you saw/heard, include the actual program (or a copy) and a note signed by
a parent verifying the assignment has been completed by you. This is to be
turned in NO LATER than 2 weeks following a missed performance to be
accepted.

Class Participation, Attitude and Focus–Each
student receives five points a day
for simply participating and giving their full effort in class.These points remain intact if the student
come to class on time and are prepared.Students will receive two free tardies per trimester.After that, daily points will be deducted.
Having choir music, pencil and being in your seat by the time the bell rings is
considered ‘being prepared’.

Theory/Written work
–To
become better musicians, we will learn some basic music theory/sight reading
skills during our rehearsals.An
occasional worksheets may be provided, and in class quizzes will be given.Voice part checks will also be given as a way
to assess each student’s independence with the music.

When You’re Sick –It
is usually ok and very possible to sing through most illnesses, including colds
and sore throats.If you are truly
unable to sing, remember that most of the work of rehearsal is mental.Pay attention, follow along in the music, and
be responsible for what takes place in the rehearsal.

Classroom Expectations

We
will adhere to the same procedures outlined in the student handbook regarding
dress code, profanity, etc.I will write
disciplinary referrals according to the guidelines set by the school.

Cell phones, I-podsand other
electronic devicesare absolutely not to be visible or used
in class.If these expectations are
broken, procedures of consequences include:

1.)Warning

2.)Cell
phone/I-pod stays with Mrs.Aldinger until end of class

3.)Cell
phone/I-pod will be confiscated and can be picked up after school from the
office

Food/Drink/Gum -- Absolutely
not in the classroom. Daily points will be deducted following 3
verbal reminders.Water bottles
are allowed and encouraged!

Leaving class –
The Hall Pass will be near the door for students to use.Please sign out/in, take/return the Hall
Pass. Abuse of this privilege will result in the loss of it.